Smithton (from hill)
The economy of Smithton is agriculture based, consisting primarily of beef and dairy farming. Other major industries that contribute to the local economy are fishing, aquaculture, crop farming, timber plantations and tourism.
Smithton is a town in the far north-west coast of Tasmania, Australia. It lies on the Bass Highway, 85 km north-west of Burnie. At the 2006 census, Smithton had a population of 3,361. Smithton is the administrative centre of the Circular Head Council. Smithton has a rich sporting and social culture, and the region is noted for its natural beauty.
Smithton has prospered in recent years, despite its remote location compared to the major cities, towns and highways.
The education community consists of a Catholic Independent, a Christian School and Government schools. St Peter Chanel is the local Catholic Primary school servicing the community. Circular Head Christian School (CHCS) is the local Christian School, which starts at Kindergarten and now goes right through to year 12.
Noted Smithtonians include comedian Hannah Gadsby, winner of the Raw Comedy competition in 2006.
Tourist Spot and things to do in Smithton
1. Known for its forests, wildlife-spotting and long empty beaches.
2. Specialises in dairy produce and home to Duck River oysters.
Tarkine Forest Adventures at Dismal Swamp.
From Smithton, you can visit Tarkine Forest Adventures at Dismal Swamp. At this sunken blackwood forest you can slide down a tube to the forest floor or take a stroll or buggy ride down to the fertile swamp below. Head out to Marrawah and keep an eye out for game surfers taking on the wild Southern Ocean.
Woolnorth Farm
Take a tour of Woolnorth Farm, originally settled by the Van Diemen’s Land Company, in 1824, and learn about the rich farming history. You can also view the wind farm, where large turbines harness energy from the Roaring Forty winds.
Kings Run
Go Tasmanian devil spotting at Kings Run, a rare experience to see devils in their natural environment. Spend some time wandering through the Allendale Gardens or head out along the Bass Strait coast to Burnie to sample cheese and visit Creative Paper.
Accommodation in Tasmania
This luxury accommodation in Smithton, Tasmania, is a gateway for Tasmania helicopter experiences and sightseeing tours, Penguin tours, Tasmanian 4WD tours, and Tarkine forest and wilderness experiences. The luxury hotel is also an ideal Tasmanian wedding and function venue and as a conference venue or event venue.
Our accommodation facilities include 67 motel style suites and luxury lakeside self contained apartments. Treat yourself to local wine at the nationally branded bottle-shop or enjoy the 2 bars, restaurant, heated indoor pool, spa, tennis court or gym. We are a member of Innkeepers Tasmania group of properties.
Explore North West Tasmania from your accommodation including the iconic Stanley region that is a ”must visit” destination on any Tasmanian Holiday. Other popular tourist centres of Strahan and Cradle Mountain are approximately 3 hours drive by car.
Smithon Cirular Head Chronicle
CIRCULATION
2,154 (ABC)
POPULATION IN PRIME CIRCULATION AREA
8,108
PUBLISHED
Wednesday (Paid)
Profile
Circular Head, 90 km west of Burnie, is the heart of Tasmania’s far north west region, and is the focus of one of Australia‘s richest agricultural regions. Smithton’s diverse nature is one of the keys to its success, with strong pockets of dairy and crop farming, timber and fishing. It is the economic and industrial centre of the town with some 3,500 residents, and services the entire region of around 8,500 people. The home of McCain Foods’, Smithton also has the southern hemispheres largest hardwood timber mill at Gunns Timber, along with specialist miller Britton Bros among its major employers. Nearby at Edith Creek is ground breaking contract UHT packer Classic Foods, opening up new markets into Asia for Tasmania’s pristine products.
Main Attractions
The Apex lookout tower on Tier Hill takes in a panoramic view over Duck Bay, Robbins Island and Three Hummock Island in Bass Strait. The Smithton-Circular Head Heritage Centre, in the old Billings Store building, is run by volunteers.Fishing and boating are popular at Duck River and Duck Bay, 2km north. Lacrum Dairy Farm, 6km west at Mella, offers milking demonstrations and cheese tasting, Nov-May. Neighbouring Wombat Tarn has BBQs, bushwalks and a lookout. Tours can be arranged to visit the huge Gunns Timber Mill, and the historic Van Diemen’s Land Company property, Woolnorth. The Sumac Lookout, 4km south, gives views over eucalypt forests. The great forests of north-west Tasmania can also be seen on a 60km circular drive into South Arthur Forest. River cruises are available at Arthur River, 70km south-west.
Marrawah
All the locals are friendly and laidback in the casual atmosphere of Marrawah! ‘From Smithton the Bass Highway ends near the rich farming settlement of Marrawah, the most westerly town in Tasmania. Situated on the top corner of the West Coast and a leisurely 45 minute drive from Smithton, Marrawah is a small village surrounded by rich farming land and scenic coastline. There are great places to camp at Green Point, and Arthur River, 15km to the south provides excellent fishing and is a great place for collectors of driftwood. Thirty kilometres along the way, a 1500-metre trail leads through a swamp at the grumpily named Dismal Swamp Nature Reserve. The recently opened Dismal Swamp complex is an absolute “must see” as a new addition on the Tourist map! Marrawah itself has a small store, and the Marrawah Tavern serves plain but filling meals. Green Point Beach, which has been voted one of the three best surfing beaches in Australia, is 2km from Marrawah and has a small camping area. The Marrawah area is also now famous for the huge ocean swells which have made this area famous as one of the world’s best locations for big wave surfing. Marrawah may be small, but it sure is an interesting place… Here the last Tasmanian tiger was captured in the wild – it happened long ago, but there have been many intriguing reports of sightings in the same area. On the far north west tip is the historic property of Woolnorth. Land’s end is Cape Grim, where sea air, tested as the world ’s cleanest, sweeps in from the Roaring Forties. Why not visit and see for yourself?
Tall Timbers Tasmania
Tall Timbers Hotel is a unique and award winning resort located at Smithton in North West Tasmania, gateway to the “Edge of The World” region.
A member of the Innkeepers Collection, the resort boasts a range of accommodation including opulent luxury lakeside apartments with spas, self contained apartments, and motel style units. Accommodation styles are enhanced by a well appointed gym, indoor heated pool and hydra spa, tennis courts, two bars, and a well-stocked bottleshop.
Our bistro features a menu that promotes fresh local produce complemented by Tasmania’s finest cool climate wines and the very best of Tasmanian and Australian beers. Conference and meeting facilities are also available, catering to a range of events from board meetings and trade shows, through to wedding receptions.
Located at the centre of the Circular Head region, our 4WD Adventure Tours and Helicopter Experience can take you to the “Edge of The World”. Journey into the untamed wilderness of the Tarkine, take a magical walk in the Dismal Swamp, witness the awesome power of the Great Southern Ocean on Tasmania’s rugged West Coast, or inhale the scent of a rainforest as you cruise the Arthur River. Visit the historic village of Stanley with its famous geological feature “The Nut”. Discover life as it was in a bygone era at the Van Dieman’s Land Company homestead Highfield House, or see how the purest air in the world is being harnessed at the Woolnorth Wind Farm.
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